Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Press Release
17th November 2009
Housing Meeting
Following a meeting with Alex Neil MSP, Minister for Housing at the Scottish Executive, Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Councillor Angus Campbell along with Councillor Norman MacDonald, welcomed the discussions which took place regarding housing issues in the Western Isles. The Comhairle representatives said the positive discussions would allow affordable housing developments within the islands to go ahead after changes had been introduced to the way that projects are assessed .
Leader Angus Campbell commented: “Todays meeting with Alex Neil was an excellent opportunity to discuss the issues which are affecting us in the Western Isles. It is high up on our priorities to provide affordable homes for those looking to rent and buy in the Western Isles. We now have a way forward which will allow us to do that. We have also had the excellent news this morning that the eight scheme house at Bunavoneadar in north Harris has now got the go ahead from the Scottish Government and will be starting on site before the turn of the year. Future housing developments not only provide much needed social housing but also provide local employment benefitting island communities.”
Housing Minister Alex Neil said: “The Scottish Government is committed to increasing the number of affordable homes in the islands. Yesterday, I held a productive meeting with councillors from Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar where there was agreement in principle about how to resolve the funding issues being faced in the Western Isles.”
Hebridean Housing Partnership’s Director of Operations, Tony Pendle, commented: “This is very encouraging news and it will enable HHP to get on with the real task in hand; meeting house needs in the Islands and building high class housing within the Western Isles. Commenting on the Bunavoneadar development he added: “This is very pleasing and well worth the long wait to get this project to approval. HHP would also like to thank its other partners, who are making the development possible, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and North Harris Trust. We will be very proud of this development when it is complete and it demonstrates the high class level of housing which HHP have built.
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Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822622 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk
Ruairidh Maciver
Communications Assistant
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Tel: 01851 822615 (Work)
Tel: 07881 774601 (Mobile)
email: ruairidh.maciver@cne-siar.gov.uk
